Riga Travel Guide

The Hippo's guide to Riga, the capital of Latvia.

After declaring independence from the Soviet Union, joining NATO and then the European Union in 2004, Riga, the capital city of Latvia, has gone from strength to strength, with buildings being renovated and bars and cafes opening everywhere. This up and coming city is known affectionately as the “Paris of the Baltics”.

Take a tour down the cobbled streets of Old Town for a walk down history, visit St. Peters Church for a 360 view around the City from the spire to find your bearings. Take a walk northwards to the Dome Cathedral built in the 13th Century by Latvia’s Teutonic conquerors. There are many museums that are a must to see for Latvian history, including the Museum of War and the Occupation Museum, both offering insight into the troubled past of Latvia in the 20th Century, or the Open Air Museum, recreating 18th and 19th Century Latvian life. Also, to tie in well with the past, the Freedom Monument is another must see, built in 1935 to celebrate the Independence of Latvia.

There are many shopping centres - from the modern MC2, Basteja Pasaza, a western style shopping centre located just on the outside of the old city, to Berga Bazârs for a range of speciality shops, again located just outside of the old city.

The places to go at dusk include Voodoo, with it's nightclub, casino and lounge all under one roof, or Roxy, a good choice for dancing to pop music. For a larger dance-techno laser club then try La Rocca

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